Betting Line:Sportsbooks had set the Greyhounds as 4.5-point favorites on the opening line for this contest.

Power Rankings / Prediction:According to new college basketball power rankings here, it's the No. 201-ranked Greyhounds and the No. 139-rated Jaspers in this matchup. Computer formulas aimed at predicting NCAAB scores point to a 73-70 win for the Jaspers on Thursday.

ADVERTISEMENT:

How They Match Up:Rating these schools in several key categories is important for handicappers and Loyola has the nation's No. 172-rated offensive output, at 68.5 PPG. The visiting Jaspers defense ranks No. 145 allowing on average 65.7 PPG. The Greyhounds FG% has averaged 42% so far, more than the Jaspers marksmen have achieved on the year, 41.8% per game.

Comparing how these foes stack up statistically, Manhattan owns the country's No. 196-rated mark, allowing 72.1 points per game on the highway. Loyola, on the other hand, rates No. 164 in scoring at home.

In their last action, Manhattan was an 88-77 loser at home against Rider. They failed to cover the 10.5–point spread as favorites. Manhattan got 19 points from Kidani Brutus but lost anyway, 88-77, to Rider on Monday at Draddy Gymnasium.

In their last action, Loyola was a 66-61 loser at home against Niagara. They failed to cover the 12–point spread as favorites. Loyola got 23 points from Justin Drummond but lost anyway, 66-61, to Niagara on Monday at Reitz Arena.

Manhattan Jaspers Trends:When playing on Thursday are 6-4Before playing Fairfield are 4-6After playing Rider are 4-6After a loss are 5-5

Loyola Greyhounds Trends:When playing on Thursday are 3-7Before playing Canisius are 5-5After playing Niagara are 6-4After a loss are 8-2

A few Jaspers at Greyhounds trends to consider:Manhattan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the roadManhattan is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against LoyolaManhattan is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games on the roadLoyola is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing ManhattanLoyola is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games Loyola is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at homeLoyola is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Manhattan

Next up:Manhattan home to Fairfield, Sunday, January 8Loyola home to Canisius, Saturday, January 7

The handicapping, sports odds information contained on this website is for entertainment purposes only. Please confirm the wagering regulations in your jurisdiction as they vary from state to state, province to province and country to country. Using this information to contravene any law or statute is prohibited. The site is not associated with nor is it endorsed by any professional or collegiate league, association or team. OddsShark does not target an audience under the age of 18. Please visit gambleaware.co.uk or gamcare.org.uk for guidelines on responsible gaming.